RMIT Vietnam Alumni recently had the honor of hosting Tran Thanh Lam, an exceptional RMIT alumni and the Strategy and Growth Director at DSquare, as our keynote speaker at the 2024 RMIT Vietnam’s prestigious graduation ceremony. Lam’s captivating speech left a profound impact on our new graduates, urging them to adopt a unique perspective on success by “Living like a potato!” Let’s delve into the remarkable Potato Principles that he shared, which offer invaluable guidance for navigating the journey ahead.

Potato Principles

1. Be Open: Lam emphasized the significance of humility and openness in the pursuit of knowledge and growth. He encouraged our graduates to acknowledge that they don’t know everything and to embrace the wisdom and insights of those around them. By remaining open to different viewpoints and experiences, our graduates can continuously learn, expand their horizons, and overcome their own limitations.
2. Be Innocent: Innocence, enthusiasm, and genuine interest were the qualities Lam highlighted as essential for embracing life’s opportunities. He encouraged our graduates to approach their endeavors with childlike curiosity, unburdened by skepticism or preconceived notions. By maintaining a sense of wonder and openness, they can seize unexpected chances and transform their dreams into reality.
3. Be Yourself: Lam emphasized the power of embracing one’s unique identity and experiences as a competitive advantage. He urged our graduates to tap into their authentic selves and utilize their distinct personalities to stand out in a world filled with conformity. By embracing their individuality, they can unleash their full potential and unleash their creativity in remarkable ways.

Thanh Lam’s thought-provoking speech at our graduation ceremony left an indelible mark on our new graduates. By living by the Potato Principles, our graduates are encouraged to be open, innocent, and true to themselves.

These unconventional yet powerful principles serve as a compass, guiding them through the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. As they embark on their personal and professional journeys, we have no doubt that our graduates will carve their own unique paths and make a meaningful impact in the world.

Let’s take inspiration from Thanh Lam’s wisdom and embrace the Potato Principles as we forge ahead on our own remarkable journeys to success.

Tran Thanh Lam’s full speech:

” Good morning RMIT Chancellor, Council members, Pro Vice-Chancellor Vietnam, staff, graduates, and proud parents.

Dear Class of 2024,

You have come a long way. Today, we celebrate your transformation. But after today, you may ask yourself what will be next? What career path to follow? What am I really good at? So many questions.

I still remember those job interviews after my graduation. The interviewers asked me “What is your goal in the next 10 years?” In my head, I was like “Come on. I don’t even know what to eat tonight.”

You could have noticed my profile. I’ve been holding the position of a Strategist for the last 10 years. Even a Strategist was so uncertain about his career, then you know it’s a normal thing that everyone goes through.

You might not have a plan yet. But there are patterns. Patterns of mindset & actions that lead to success in work, and in life. They can be concluded as principles. And today, I’m honoured to be invited as an RMIT Alumnus to share my own principle with you.

I call it: The Potato Principle. To live a successful and happy life, live like a Potato.

A Potato? Let me tell you why.

Firstly, a potato is often used to describe someone “foolish”. It’s the acknowledgement that you really don’t know that much, and are open to learn from anyone anywhere.

This principle has helped me to become the founder of perhaps the largest brand strategists community in Vietnam. 5 years ago, there was no such community. Because deep down, strategists think they are smart, and they fear becoming stupid in front of others. So I had this idea of creating a place where everyone can feel safe to be … stupid, asking stupid questions and feel free to raise their own opinions. Here born the community called “CLB những chiến lược gia củ khoai tây” – The Potatoes Club. Interestingly, such a “foolish” name and mission attracts the smartest brains, including the very senior and respected people in the industry.

So the lesson is: if you want smart people surrounding you, the first thing to do is acknowledging that you don’t know enough. You’re a potato.

Secondly, a potato embodies the meaning of “innocence”. Innocence is not about staying clueless and ignorant of things happening around you. Innocence is a pure state of the soul. That child-like enthusiasm that makes you say: “Wow! That’s interesting. Wow! How do they do that? Wow! Can I try?”

When I was 26, I published my first Marketing book on Amazon, which is against the convention of professional book publishing. A professional book is something you are supposed to write when you reach the maturity of your career, not when you’re in your 20s. But all I thought at that time was: “Book author? Seem interesting.” And I just did it.

Did I become a best-selling author? No.

Did my book become an industry sensation? No.

But that first book was a powerful launchpad for my career. I was invited to teach at the top institutes. I was headhunted by the top marketing companies. And I was invited to be co-founder of a coaching company, which I’m currently working at. Opportunities just keep coming, when you have that innocent interest in something, and make it become reality.

Finally, bring a potato means you’re embracing your most raw and genuine self. A potato is not flashy, but it has solid worth. When you step out into life, there will be huge competition, and there’s often a temptation to pretend to be someone else. Let me tell you that your most powerful competitive advantage is in you, your story, your life. No one can compete on that.

At RMIT, I was a good active student. Like you all, I collected tons of club certificates. I was a member of the Golden Key. I had no doubts that I could find a good job after graduation. But 7 Management Trainee programs that I applied. Failed. 5 competitions. Failed. 10 interviews. Failed. I was jobless for 1 month, 2 months, then 4, then 9 months.  Looking around, my friends all had proper jobs with good salary. I was completely lost and upset.

But then one day, a light came. I realized that my failures were my story. So, I wrote a Resume, not with a list of achievements, but with a list of failures. I sent that Resume full of failures with an email writing “If you want such a stubborn and determined person in your team, hire me.” The email got me an interview, then a job. When you embrace your life story, even the most vulnerable part, you can turn it into your own advantage.

So, graduates, from now on, walk out into life, and live like a potato. Stay foolish, so that you’re always learning and open to the smartest people around you. Let your innocent interest guide the way. Follow your curiosity. And finally, use your own personality & story as your competitive advantage. No one can compete with you when you’re being you.

Thank you!”

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